Home / Designing / Part 1 How to Design Your Own Amigurumi: You Don’t Have to Design Your Own Patterns

Part 1 How to Design Your Own Amigurumi: You Don’t Have to Design Your Own Patterns

Yup, you read that title right. You don’t have to design your own patterns.

I told you it might surprise you that the first article in my design series is about how you don’t have to design your own patterns, but I really feel like before we delve into how to design, we need to talk about why we design and if we should design. And also help you feel secure in what you can and can’t do.

I see people on social media frequently commenting on how they don’t know how people design and they could never do that. And I also see people replying to those comments and saying something like, “Oh, I’m sure you could! Everyone can design!”

I just want to go on record today as saying, that is not really true. I’m sorry folks, but not everyone can design. And that’s okay. That’s okay!

In this culture of “you can be whatever you want to be”, we often feel unnecessary pressure when we realize that we can’t do whatever we want to do. Not everyone was meant to design their own patterns. Why do you think people like me and other designers make patterns in the first place? So that people who can’t or don’t want to design can still have access to hundreds of great designs!

We can’t all be designers

If everybody designed patterns, who would ever make those designs?

I know people who do absolutely amazing jobs taking other people’s patterns, following them and coming up with results even better than the designer themselves! They just have that knack, that gift, if you will, of taking a pattern and working their creative magic on it. (I’m not making this up, I really do know people like this.)

Some people do better at following and those people are just as important as the designers.

And so, I sincerely want to encourage you to be secure in your own abilities and to know that it is okay if you just aren’t able to design.

It’s also okay if you don’t want to design your own patterns. Don’t think that just because everyone else is doing it you have to too. Don’t jump on the bandwagon if you don’t want to.

Please don’t beat yourself up because you struggle to design. Maybe you will someday. Maybe you won’t. The important thing is that you are secure in your own abilities right now and that you love to crochet! That’s the most important thing, right?

The Good News

Let me tell you a little story. Before I started designing and selling my own patterns, I focused all my time and effort on making ready-made items that I could sell in my Etsy shop and on taking custom orders.

Once I started selling my patterns I didn’t have time anymore to take custom orders and could only do an occasional shop restock.

Now, I’m not saying that everyone who decides to design their own amis is also going to be selling those patterns – some people just like to have their own unique designs. But if that was your intention in designing, the good news for you is that if you aren’t designing your own patterns, you’ll have plenty of time to supply your customers with adorable handmade plushies! And believe me, there are plenty of customers out there.

The other piece of good news is that there are literally thousands of amazing amigurumi patterns out there that you can choose from – many of them free!

So whether you’ve decided to design your own amigurumis or use someone else’s design, don’t forget why you crochet in the first place. If you’re like me, you crochet because you love creating something with your hands. You love being able to share that creation with others. And you love being able to sit down and relax with a current project.

Whether you design or not, just don’t stop crocheting. Keep creating, and keep being you! You have something great to offer to the crochet community. If it’s a great design, then share it. If it’s an encouraging word, then share it. Whatever it is, don’t be ashamed of it. Be proud of who you are. Don’t try to be like everyone else. Be you.

As the famous quote by Oscar Wilde goes, “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”

Okay, now we have that out of the way! And here’s a little disclaimer: I’m not saying that you’re unable to design because I don’t know you. You can’t even say that about yourself until you try. Maybe you have a hidden talent you don’t even know about. Do I recommend you try? Absolutely! Why do you think I’m writing this series? By all means, give it a try!

Next week we’ll talk about finding the YOU in your design style. This was the top question I received and I’m looking forward to helping you find a style that’s different from everyone else’s. Stay tuned!

What are your thoughts on this subject? Do you think you tend to be a designer or do you enjoy using others patterns best?

8 thoughts on “Part 1 How to Design Your Own Amigurumi: You Don’t Have to Design Your Own Patterns”

About a year later, but I just meant to say that it is an inspiring post! And very true. I hope to figure out whether or not I’m capable of desiging my own work or not. I think trying out patterns are a way of learning shapes and forms and techniques that one can combine or use in their own project, maybe, after building some experience and insight!

My problem is I really really want to sell my finished amigurumi on Etsy. I’m just turning 16 and without a drivers liscence & therefore job, I want to make money by doing what I love, crochet! I can’t sell my favorite stuffies on Etsy because most of my free (and favorite) patterns are for “personal use, no selling finished project” :(
What do you suggest?

Thanks for your post. It really meant to me because, i shouldn’t but sometimes i feel ashamed because i only “copy” someone’s creations. But you are right, i needed to think why i love crochet at first; And now i feel better ^^
Thanks to you and others designers to do such amazing patterns!

You’re so welcome, Myline! Thank you so much for reading, I hope it encouraged you! Don’t ever feel ashamed of your abilities! As long as you’re crocheting because you love it, that’s what counts! Do what brings you joy. :)

Great post Holly! ^^ I actually enjoy doing both :D For my ready-made plushies I always prefer selling them all created by me, from the design to the physical piece. But sometimes I do struggle in having inspiration to create new designs to keep people interested… Nonetheless, as you so well said, there are so many amazing amigurumi designs out there that sometimes all I want to do is try them all ^^ I can’t wait to read your next post!

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